Copyright D.Crump 2010 - Image courtesy of Josephine Chaplin and CCA and Larry Harmon
Pictures Corp - this image must not be reproduced

Stan Laurel, Fred Karno, Hal Roach. Hal Roach Studios 1929

On this site you can learn about the great impresario, follow progress on the new
biography of Karno currently being written, and find out all about the stage musical
version of his life ‘Khaotic! – The Fred Karno Story’.

Karno was a music hall acrobat who went on to launch the careers of hundreds of famous
comics; including most notably charlie chaplin, stan laurel, will hay, and sandy
powell.

‘It’s like Fred Karno’s Army’ - a phrase to describe any chaotic circumstance, still
survives in the English language – Karno was the King of madcap comedy and the father
of slapstick.

Described as charismatic and vicious; mean and generous; shy and flamboyant; ruthless
and benevolent; Karno was certainly a man of contradictions. A creative genius, his
success came at a cost. He was generally not well liked by his artists or fellow
managers (although there are notable exceptions) and he is left with a tainted reputation,
his influence on comedy and popular culture largely uncredited.

Laurel (front left) and Chaplin (in lifebelt) on tour with Karno 1910

Images on this site are used in good faith, should any copyright holder wish images
to be removed please contact the webmaster